It’s Okay to Stop
While Mr. Reasons of 101 Reasons to Stop Writing would love it if I talked about this as a permanent thing, that’s not the case. However, I am going to tell you what you think I’m going to tell you.
It’s okay to stop and put the pen down.
Yesterday I went to the air conditioned library to escape the brain melting 100+ degree heat of the Australian sunshine. While there, I had one of the best writing days I have had in a long time, finishing up the work day at over 3,000 words typed for the day.
Do I attribute this to a fabulous muse? The delicious smoothie I had while there? The wonders of air conditioning?
Perhaps, in part, but by and large I attribute it to the fact I took a few days off writing. I tried not to think about it. I relaxed. I went people watching.
Basically, I did what every writer needs to do now and then not only to write better but to manage to keep whatever amount of sanity you have:
Get out of the writing room!
Yes, writing is about putting your ass down in the chair and getting some writing done, but it’s also about living. If you never get out of the writing room and experience life, then who do you think you are going about as if you have something to write about?
If possible, sometime this week get out and go somewhere new. Or, at least, go somewhere you rarely go. On your lunch break, after work, whenever works best for you. Go somewhere new and live it up. Experience things.
Do it because this is one of the few times I’m going to tell you to get your bum out of the chair.
March 20th, 2008 at 10:07 am
JM, good tips. Getting out and experiencing new adventures, sights etc. makes for better writing. I’m glad you caught a break!
By the way I received the book,booklets, postcard, pen and key chain from the contest today. I will take your advice and take some time off to read some Garth Nix.
It made my day and I thank you. Those little extra souvenirs were thoughtful and appreciated!
March 20th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I’m glad everything arrived safe and sound and that you enjoyed it all.
Definitely take a little break and experience something new.